Michael A. Hopkins
In keeping with Michael’s amazing sense of humor, an informal, open-house style gathering will be held at Squalicum Boathouse, 2600 Harbor Loop, Bellingham, on Friday, April 13, 2012 from 2PM to 5PM.
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Michael Alan Hopkins, age 64, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, April 1, 2012, at St. Joseph Hospital in Bellingham, Washington.
Born October 24, 1947 in Seattle, Washington, he was big brother to six siblings and according to his sister always wanted to “fix it or take care of it” no matter what “it” was. Michael attended Highline High School, graduating in 1965. While there his passion was running and he held records in the 440. He attended Highline Community College, then joined the Navy. After his discharge, he moved to Ellensburg, Washington, where he met his wife of 37 years, Kathleen, whom he married on the beach before sailing off on their honeymoon.
After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Central Washington University, they moved to Seattle, where Michael first worked in what started as a hobby and became a profession—photography. Throughout the years Michael’s photography subjects varied widely, from product advertisements to portraits to weddings to landscapes and always, always those sunsets. He also worked with several artists in the Bellingham area. He was an artist in his own right, meticulous about his work and his talent will be missed by many.
Michael and Kathleen returned to Ellensburg for a short time where Michael picked up a second career in Employment Security. They eventually settled in Bellingham, Washington. Michael continued his work in Employment Security, where he met some of his lifelong friends.
Life in a community so close to the waters of Puget Sound afforded Michael the opportunity to indulge in his favorite pastime—sailing, which became a lifelong passion. No longer having to drive one hundred plus miles to sail, it took only a week before Michael was on the water racing. He never stopped, racing throughout the region, including, Seattle, the Blaine/White Rock series and his beloved Etchells sailing group.
Michael and Kathleen spent many vacations sailing throughout the area, including the San Juan Islands. As well, Michael had the opportunity to sail to Alaska, across the Gulf, with friends. It was a memory he treasured.
Michaels’ dedication to family showed in every aspect of his life. If he couldn’t be with his father during a Mariners, Seahawks, or Huskies game, they were on the phone, cheering or complaining depending on the outcome of the play. When his Dad could no longer drive, Michael would pick him up so they could watch the game together. He kept in regular touch with his siblings, as well. His devotion to Kathleen was extraordinary. As well, he embraced Kathleen’s mother as his own, calling her every Sunday morning and assisting with needs around her house.
Michael is survived by his wife, Kathleen; brother David Hopkins (Pamela); sister Susan Siren; brother Terry Hopkins; sister Jeanne Frye; sister Carol Hopkins; brother Mark Hopkins; second mom, Florence DeBruler, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is predeceased by his parents, Eugene and Grace Hopkins.
In keeping with Michael’s amazing sense of humor, an informal, open-house style gathering will be held at Squalicum Boathouse, 2600 Harbor Loop, Bellingham, on Friday, April 13, 2012 from 2PM to 5PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a donation to your favorite charity. And in particular we believe that Michael would like you all to go out and give your loved ones an extra hug today.
A friend of Michael’s said it best: “It is more about squeezing life into your years than squeezing years into your life. Michael did that.”
Memories
From alaina bural
I love you uncle mike!
From Michal Temple
We love you dearly Uncle Mike. Thank you for making Christmas mornings so special and making sure that I still got my gift that someone had inadvertently always given to you :) and thank you for making sure we all looked beautiful in every picture.
You will be missed so very much.
My thoughts, love and many prayers to all of you there in WA.
Michal
From Cal
Sail away, Michael!
From jean
Michael, I'll never forget your infectious laugh, and twinkly smile, always at the ready. and so interested in all of those around you. big love to you Kathy...
From Rhodora
Boating, dinners, road trips, Hawaii, music...so many memories of great times with Michael and Kathy. Michael's laugh would instantly kill a bad mood. Our best photos were by Michael. A kinder gentler man I've yet to meet. My thoughts are with you, Kathy. And my heartfelt condolences to all of Michael's family.
From Ed and Bridgit
One of the grandest adventures of my life was sailing an old 30 ft. boat from Bellingham to Seward Alaska, an adventure I shared with Michael and Jerry, another friend. I kept a journal and when I heard the sad news I re-read it. I was moved to both laughter and tears. Michael's wonderful humor, gentle spirit and genuine goodness manifested itself over and over again throughout the voyage. A "green" boat, two "green" sailors and the infamous Gulf of Alaska: Kathy, thank you for loaning him to us despite your good sense!! Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Ed and Bridgit.
From Katherine March
I was so sorry to hear Michael was taken at such an young age. I only remember him from childhood (he was my cousin's cousin), but that memory has stayed with me, as he was always so nice & so much fun. Everyone says he stayed that same great person all his life. My prayers are with you, Kathy.
From Nancy Moffett
Another one of the good guys gone too soon, and will be terribly missed. Fun, sweet, warm, welcoming, generous, smart, interesting, caring Mike! Always so nice to Dad and so nice to me; he took my favorite picture of Dad and me. My heart goes out to you Kathy; prayers and love to the whole family. Nancy.
From Paul & Milena …
We were blessed to have Michael preserve the happiest of our days, our wedding, in pictures, as he did for many through his work. Through these memories he created for us and others, he has given us an everlasting memory of him. Michael, you have been called from us too soon. We will miss you, your art, your smile, your laugh! Sail on Mike!
From Jacqui & Richard L
We will always remember Michael's friendliness and warm smile - one of the "good guys" - whose memory will remain forever. To Kathy and other members of his family, we send our love and thoughts. May days of sunshine and a good sailing sea remind you that Michael is at peace, watching over you.
From Rachal
So happy that we were able to once again appreciate my brother-in-law Michael at our family's eating place-The Spaghetti Factory-just the Saturday before...Michael lives on in our wedding pictures, those of our daughter, his niece, Megan and our nephew Johnathan. A family gathering so much more with Michael. You will be remembered.
From Ranny
always there, always at the ready, and always a smile in your eyes. Michael helped me with the maiden voyage of the delmar. I'm still in awe of your tech talents. We crabbed down Chuckanut and out to Eliza always nailing the gladiators, but we won't tell Lee! Together with Gene & Paul we caught hooknose in Ketchikan, our first halibut at Pt Baker and lings, bombers, snappers & northerns with our friends at The Strawberry Lodge, in Sitka! Soon we were headed to Westport, 30 miles out to some coveted deep halibut holes, but that will wait. Someday, I will take Jordan and we'll catch the big one and dedicate it to You! I'm keeping my eyes on Wings from my deck, she's resting securely as you always left her...
Your magical photos turned the world's eyes in their grandure and precision, like the many we treasure of "J " since he was just a tyke. We still have that tiny pair of Nike's as his 1st gift of many from you and Kat and he still likes to wear Nike's...
Your endearing love of music showed and the songs will play on and on...So I say Ahoy Mate as you set your sail, the wind at your back with a full spinnaker and run quietly to your next San Juan adventure!
From Char and Ed Holub
May the wind be always at your back, dear brother-in-law! You are etched in our hearts forever, Michael. We will be forever grateful for our wedding memories which you captured so beautifully. You were always so selfless over the years in photographing oh, so many family functions... But we will miss your smile, your heart, and your interest in us all the most. Our hearts break with yours, Kathy!
From Rosemary Bell
So sorry to read of Michael's passing. I remember many of the the Hopkins kids to this day. Michael was such a sweet and kind person. I will never forget the help he gave me during my parents' divorce. I was happy to hear that he became such a talented photographer and that he had such a full family life.
From Chris Peart
Michael, my brother I will miss you and that smile. Thank you for finding my sister and making her life so magical. And thank you for taking such good care of her over years. I will always remember the two of you sailing away on your honeymoon after that amazing wedding on the beach. Thank you for the amazing pictures and weddings that you did for us over the years, you will truly live on through these and so many more. Michael you were so cool and easy going, I remeber when you came home early on with Kat in that Porsche and I thought "oh man this guy is awesome!" I will never forget peanut butter jelly sock um in the belly with Christie (an inside family joke). To my Sister, words do not come to mind that could help you or ease your pain. Just know that the love of your family surrounds you like a warm blanket and we are there for you. You are an amazing woman Kathy and I have always looked up to you! Goodbye Michael, sail on straight and true, just as you did in life!
From Tim King
I wrote this about Mike because I think he did leave the planet a better place than it was when he got here. He touched the lives of many people in a positive way. He was my best friend and I'll miss him.
TODAY
Creator let me live my life today
In a selfless, service kind of way
To those traveling my life’s road
Help me give more than I’m owed
When my journey comes to its end
And I return to you my friend
I’ll know my life was not in vain
If I leave Earth more humane
From Gail Smedley
Sending the entire family a circle of love, light, and protection; you are all in my prayers and heart. Sending Michael a clear, calm sea to sail away on - Hugs and Blessings, Gail
From Florence DeBruler
Michael, it was an honor to be your (2nd) Mom and you were a son to me. You were an important part of our family and I'm so glad you and Kathy found each other all those years ago. I'm sorry that you didn't have time to fix my gate but it will always remind me of you!
From Ria Harboe
Such a sunny man. I will miss Michael. He was the best photographer I've ever hired - captured my work just as I wanted. My condolences to Michael's family, to his sweet wife Kathy. He will be missed more than imagined....
From Sammie
Will miss you uncle Mike, Your smile always filled the room and your laughter brough joy to everyone.
From sarah
We were shocked and saddened to learn of Michael's passing. We have cherished the time spent with Mike and Kathy through the years at family gatherings, house concerts, boating, to name a few. Michael was the kindest of gentlemen, always taking interest in those around him, quietly blessing the world with his gift of photography, and an attentive mate to his precious wife Kathy. We will treasure our memories. God's blessing on you, Kathy, and all of Michael's family in this season of grief. A life well-lived. That was Michael's...
From Stephen and Helen
Kathy, words cannot express our sorrow at the loss of our dear friend Michael and all he has meant to the Mann family for so many years. His ever present smile and joyful presence will never be forgotten. We'll especially cherish our family portraits (4 generations) - we ALL looked good, thanks to Michael! You are in our prayers, Kathy.
From ron and trudy
This is hard to do, tried several times but here I go anyway. It became much easier after reading all of the wonderful comments and stories about Mike it just confirms what we already knew...........Mike was an extraordinary person, full of life. He was a free spirit who never judged anyone. An artist, a sports nut. His easy smile and gentle nature were unmatched. Did he ever get mad?
I do however still find it hard to believe that he served in the Navy, all that regimental stuff, taking orders, etc....it sure doesn't jive with the Mike I knew.
He came into our family as my first brother-in-law, and what a great one he was. He was the perfect complement to Kat. In fact, it seems like forever it's been KatandMike, one word. Always will be to me. I'll always remember you and smile when I think about you.
I picture Mike up walking into the hills of Ellensburg with his dog Yodi and then going sailing off into the sunset. Safe trip Mike, you are already missed.
From Gloria Moldver
Kathy,
Sometimes there simply are no words for this time, but I want you to know what an insperation Michael has been to me. Helping me with ideas of how to put a shop in my home and encouraging me to go for it. I did it and it worked out great, thanks Michael. I will miss our visits when I was cutting his hair, and so will my cat, he always gave her some play time just before his haircut.. I found Michael always cheered me up when I had a bad day. I guess it was just his kindness and interest in others. Take care Michael and God be with you. You are in my prayers Kathy.
From Joan and Emil Baijot
Good bye dear Michael, you have left so many lovely memories in your pictures and sharing. Yours and Kathy's friendship has been a never to be forgotten gift to so many of us. May your journey be peaceful in God's love,
From Jeanne
More than a brother to me...one of my best friends. Can't imagine life without you!!
From Kris Skewis
God speed Michael. I hope calm winds carry you, Kathy, and your family to peaceful waters.
From Donna and Stev…
Stunned to find Michael is gone! He was a neighbor of many years and a neighbor tonight told us in the alley where we spent many times with Michael. He was so full of life! It's hard to imagine him gone. He loved our dog Squish and welcomed her in his yard. She loved him too! We are saddened by his loss! Condolences to his family and his wife Kathy. They were constant companions. Our hearts go out to her and his family. He was such a big hearted happy man. The loss is great as he was great! Much love!
From Ross F.
I met Michael while I worked at King Frog Photo, and loved admiring his photography that I would develop for him in the pre-digital era. He was very kind, funny, and always had a positive attitude & good advice for me. He & Kathy were kind enough to rent us their rental property when we were looking for an upgrade in our living arrangements, you couldn't ask for a better landlord / friend. I would like Mike to know that if Kathy ever needs help with any yard work, heavy lifting, or a lending ear, that Amy & I are here for his beloved wife in this realm. We will all see you again Mike, I'm certain you're sailing golden seas while also sunning your angelic wings while looking over us all.....
From Jim "J. R." Hudson
I knew Mike. He came into the camera shop I was managing wanted to buy a Hasselblad camera system but had one little problem, he had to sell his sailboat in order to afford the camera. Well, I wanted a sailboat so I bought his, the Clipper Mac. He commenced to write me a check for the camera system and I asked him if the check was good. He said it was "as good as yours". We hit it off well and I hired him to work at the camera store and he and I had some sailing adventures together. I attended his wedding to Kathy on Seola beach. I sailed up to to the beach in the Clipper. We lost touch around 1976. I was saddened to hear of his passing after searching for him tonight. A great loss. I wish I had been in touch during the intervening years. Rest in peace my friend.
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